Her uncertainty and the situation hardly eased the imp any further as he listened in. Clearly, this was yet another thing that Belle had no experience with. And something he'd seen far too often. "As much as you may hope for a brighter future, I'm afraid it'll only get worse." It had to, at least, according to what he knew. With so many foreigners, many supposedly like him, in a town that had never before seen magic, it would likely explode soon enough. Moreover, those like him and Belle were at the utmost disadvantage. They had no knowledge of this world or its customs, no access to any foundations or contacts that could help them along the way. In this land, they were blind, even with magic.
His frown deepened, fingers clenching. Helpless.
"This Council," he waved off the name, seemingly indifferent to the mysterious people that held such power, "feels threatened. Whether or not this town's people agree hardly matters." Clearly, their lord or whoever ran the Council operated besides them. Ironically, it was perhaps the one thing in this town that he was familiar with. That he knew how to change around into his favor. "Soon enough, with such vocal members in your resistance, desperate means will be taken. Even if it means taking in the lowly townsfolk into their fold."